Poom's Estonia honoured to be Under-19 hosts

Mart Poom is one of the most successful players Estonia has ever produced, carving out a career at a host of English Premier League clubs while earning 120 caps for his country. Those feats made him Estonian footballer of the year six times and leave him well qualified to predict the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, which kicks off today, will leave a positive lasting legacy.

"It is a great honour, and a historic moment for Estonia, and the whole country is looking forward to this," Poom told UEFA.com. While the 40-year-old fully believes the hosts can make a real impact, he predicts a bright future for the senior side as well, who only missed out on a place at UEFA EURO 2012 after losing to the Republic of Ireland in the play-offs.

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